But Not For Me

· by George Gershwin

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But Not For Me

George Gershwin110 BPM

Lyrics

They’re writ ing (F)songs of love, but not for (Fmaj7)me.

A luck y (G7)star’s a bove, but not for (F7)me.

With love to (Bbdim)lead (Bb)the (Gm7)way I’ve found more (Fdim)clouds (F)of (Dm)gray than an y (Gm7)Rus sian play could guar an (Db)tee.

I was a (F)fool (Dm7)to fall and get that (Fmaj7)way;

heigh ho!

A (G7)las!

And al so, luck y (F7)day!

Al though I (Bbdim)can’t (Bb)dis (Gm7)miss the mem ’ry (Fdim)of (F)his (Am7)kiss, I (D7)guess he’s (Gm7)not

(C7)for

(F)me.

(CN.C.)He’s knock ing (F)on a door, but not for (Fmaj7)me.

He’ll plan a (G7)two by four, but not for (F7)me.

I know that (Bbdim)love’s (Bb)a (Gm7)game; I’m puz zled, (Fdim)just (F)the (Dm)same.

Was I the (Gm7)moth or flame?

I’m all at (Db)sea.

It all be (F)gan (Dm7)so well, but what an (Fmaj7)end!

This is the (G7)time a fel ler needs a (F7)friend.

When ev ’ry (Bbdim)hap (Bb)py (Gm7)plot ends with a (Fdim)mar (F)riage (Am7)knot, and (D7)there’s no (Gm7)knot

(C7)for

(F)me.

(CN.C.)He’s knock ing (F)me.

But Not For Me by George Gershwin — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “But Not For Me” by George Gershwin in our color-coded kid songbook view — every note is colored by pitch (red C, orange D, yellow E, green F, blue G, purple A, pink B) and the lyrics sit directly under each note, so children can sing along while they play. The song is in the key of Bb at 136 BPM, a comfortable easy-level arrangement perfect for first-time learners.

Tips for parents & teachers

Start at 50% tempo using the BPM control. Speed up only when your child can play through without stopping.
Turn on the metronome from the top bar to build steady rhythm.
Use the segmented OFF / C / 1 button to toggle note labels on the staff and keys — kids learn note names faster with letters showing.
Tap a measure number on the timeline to jump to a specific section for repeat practice.

Frequently asked questions

Is "But Not For Me" good for a child learning piano?: Yes — this color-coded arrangement is designed for ages 4-12. Each note is colored by pitch so kids match colors to keys, no music reading required. Lyrics sit under every note for sing-along play.
What age can start with "But Not For Me"?: Children as young as 4 can follow the color-coded notes. By age 6-7 most kids can play through the song themselves with light guidance. Parent help is recommended for the first few sessions.
Do we need a piano teacher to use this?: No — the color-coded format is designed to be self-explanatory. Parents with no music background can supervise. Teachers can also use it as an introductory lesson tool.
Can we print the sheet music?: Yes — tap "Download Sheet Music" above for a free printable PDF with the same color-coded notes that appear on screen.
What other George Gershwin songs work for kids?: Try "LITTLE JAZZ BIRD", "SWANEE", "WHO CARES?". All play with color-coded notes; pick a familiar tune to keep kids engaged.